Convertible shipping container

ABSTRACT

A convertible shipping container including a container body including a floor, roof, and first and second end walls, a sidewall hingedly attached to the container moveable between a first position perpendicular to the floor and a second position coplanar with the floor, an awning hingedly attached to the container moveable between a first position perpendicular to the roof and a second position at an angle with respect to the roof, and at least one awning support member, wherein the awning is extendable in at least one direction and wherein the hingedly attached edge of the awning is elevated with respect to the roof and overlies a portion of the roof when the awning is in the second position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/253,859 filed Oct. 22, 2009 and entitled “CONVERTIBLE SHIPPINGCONTAINER”, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of repurposedintermodal shipping containers, and more particularly, to an intermodalshipping container configured to convert between a generally rectangularbox and a pavilion including sidewalls and awnings that open to formextended portions of the floor and roof of the pavilion, respectively,and wherein the awnings are adjustable in both length and height inorder to achieve a desired slope.

2. Background of the Invention

Intermodal shipping containers of the type utilized in the presentinvention include large-scale steel containers designed with suitablestrength to withstand repeated shipping, handling and stacked storage,engineering which makes them ideal as starting/building blocks forrepurposed construction. Conventional intermodal shipping containerscommonly come in standardized lengths of multiples of 20 ft and have awidth and height of about 8-9 ft, thus providing adequate headroom and alarge interior volume ideal for converting to habitable or event space.

While it is known to repurpose intermodal shipping containers,conventional conversions typically involve merely adding windows anddoors to the sidewalls of containers or connecting containers togetherto increase the overall size of the structure, both of which result indwellings having very basic architecture. As used containers are readilyavailable at low cost and in an effort to be environmentally conscious,it would be desirable to use these containers for purposes other thanmerely basic dwellings, such as for events and promotions, and suchapplications would greatly benefit from more complex and visuallystriking architecture. Thus, to achieve the foregoing, the presentinvention provides a special use convertible intermodal shippingcontainer that includes integrated floor and awning extensions thatdeploy to increase the covered square footage of the container andretract to achieve a rectangular box shape to facilitate transport andprotect the internal contents of the container.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a convertible shipping container is provided hereinincluding a container body including a floor, a roof, and first andsecond opposing end walls collectively defining a rectangular box, asidewall hingedly attached along one edge thereof to the container bodysuch that the sidewall is selectively moveable between a first positionperpendicular to the floor and a second position coplanar with thefloor, an awning hingedly attached along one edge thereof to thecontainer body such that the awning is selectively moveable between afirst position perpendicular to the roof and a second position at anangle with respect to the roof, wherein the awning is extendable in atleast one direction and wherein the edge of the awning hingedly attachedabout the roof is elevated with respect to the roof and overlies aportion of the roof when the awning is in the second position, and atleast one support member adjustable in length pivotally attached to theawning for supporting the awning in the second position.

In a further embodiment, the container body includes open-ended tubularcorner posts and a flange extending upwardly in a direction away fromthe roof for providing a drip edge such that water collected on the roofdrains through the corner posts.

In a further embodiment, the awning is extendible in length in adirection perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the container body.

In a further embodiment, a free edge of the awning is verticallyelevated with respect to the hingedly attached edge of the awning whenthe awning is in the second position such that the awning slopes towardthe roof.

In a further embodiment, the awning lies flush against its respectivesidewall when the shipping container is in the closed configuration.

In a further embodiment, the shipping container includes a mechanicalscloset accessible through one of the first and second end walls.

In a further embodiment, a winch is disposed in the mechanicals closetand associated cabling selectively moves the sidewall between its firstand second positions.

In a further embodiment, the shipping container includes a bracketpositioned about a free edge of the sidewall for engaging the at leastone support member when the awning is in the second position.

In a further embodiment, the shipping container includes a removablefloor section filling a gap between the sidewall and the floor when thesidewall is in the second position coplanar with the floor.

In another embodiment, a convertible shipping container is providedincluding a container body including a floor, a roof, and first andsecond opposing end walls, a sidewall hingedly attached along one edgethereof to the container body such that the sidewall is selectivelymoveable between a first position perpendicular to the floor and asecond position coplanar with the floor, an awning hingedly attachedalong one edge thereof to the container body such that the awning isselectively moveable between a first position perpendicular to the roofand a second position in which a free edge of the awning is at aposition vertically elevated with respect to the hingedly attached edgesuch that the awning slopes in the direction toward the roof, andwherein the edge of the awning hingedly attached to the roof overlies aportion of the roof when the awning is in the second position, and atleast one support member adjustable in length pivotally attached to theawning for supporting the awning in the second position.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe detailed description which follows, and in part will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognizedby practicing the invention as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features, aspects and advantages of the present invention are understoodwhen the following detailed description of the invention is read withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a repurposed shipping container shown inan open configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shipping container of FIG. 1 shownin a partially closed configuration;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the shipping container of FIG. 1 shownin a fully closed configuration;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view into a mechanicals closet located in an endwall of the container; and

FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view of the container illustratingother features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments ofthe invention are shown. However, the invention may be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to therepresentative embodiments set forth herein. The exemplary embodimentsare provided so that this disclosure will be both thorough and complete,and will fully convey the scope of the invention and enable one ofordinary skill in the art to make, use and practice the invention.

Throughout the description and figures, modifications, systems andfeatures of a repurposed shipping container are described and shown withreference to a shipping container that in a specific applicationfunctions as a convertible event pavilion, such as for events, parties,gatherings, mobile shelter, mobile restaurant, marketing purposes, etc.It is envisioned that the modifications, systems and features describedherein may be readily adapted and utilized with other containerconversions and modifications including, but not limited to,habitations, schools, buildings and other structures, as well as appliedoutside of the field of repurposing shipping containers.

As used herein, the term “convertible” is intended to mean that thecontainer is configured to be readily changed from a structure having ageneral rectangular box shape of a shipping container to a pavilionincluding an extended floor and raised awnings. As used herein, the term“open” is intended to describe the configuration of the container inwhich the sidewalls are lowered to extend the floor and the awnings areraised to extend the roof to cover the extended floor. As used herein,the term “closed” is intended to describe the configuration of thecontainer in which the sidewalls are folded up to form the sides of thecontainer and the awnings are folded down and against the raisedsidewalls, thus the configuration for storing, transporting andprotecting the internal contents of the container. Thus, the containeris “convertible” between a “closed” configuration having a generallyrectangular box shape to an “open” configuration having open sides, alarge floor area, and roof having a generally “gull-wing” appearance.

Although not shown in detail, it is envisioned that the container isreadily connectable to basic utilities at an event location throughconventional connections, such as electrical and plumbing connections.Although not shown in detail, it is also envisioned that the containermay include at least one of wheels, casters, cleats and other featuresto facilitate loading, securing and transport on a conveyance, such as aflatbed truck.

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of the convertible containershown in the open configuration is illustrated generally at referencenumeral 20. Container 20 generally includes main container body 22, atleast one moveable sidewall 24, and at least one moveable awning 26. Ina preferred embodiment, container 20 includes opposing moveablesidewalls 24 and respective awnings 26 such that both sides of thecontainer are capable of being independently opened.

Main container body 22 generally includes floor 28, roof 30, and firstand second opposing end walls 32, 34, collectively defining arectangular box shape. Window 36 may optionally be provided through atleast one of the end walls 32,34 to further “open” the container. Asshown, window 36 defined through end wall 32 includes a hingedlyattached moveable cover 38 for opening and closing the window. Containerbody 22 further includes four vertically oriented corner posts 40providing the main rigidity and support for the containers structure.Features of corner posts 40 are discussed in detail with regard to FIG.5 below.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, sidewalls 24 are hingedly attached along thelength of one of their edges 42 to container body 22 about floor 28 suchthat sidewalls 24 are selectively moveable between a first position inwhich sidewalls 24 are perpendicular to floor 28, and a second positionin which sidewalls 24 are coplanar with floor 28. Thus, in the firstposition shown in FIG. 2, sidewalls 24 are generally perpendicular tofloor 28 and container 20 is closed, and in the second position shown inFIG. 1, sidewalls 24 are coplanar with floor 28 and container 20 isopen. Sidewalls 24 are generally rectangular in shape and are preferablydimensioned to span the space defined by the edges of floor 28, roof 30and end walls 32, 34. The exterior of sidewalls 24 are preferablycontainer steel and the interior of sidewalls 24 are preferably coveredwith flooring material corresponding to the flooring material of floor28. Although not shown, when lowered to the second position, the freeedge of sidewall 24 may be supported upon blocks or include integratedlegs for leveling the floor's surface.

Awnings 26 are hingedly attached along the length of one of their edgesto container body 22 about roof 30 such that awnings 26 are selectivelymoveable between a first position in which awnings 26 are generallyperpendicular to roof 30 (FIG. 2), and a second position in whichawnings 26 are at an angle with respect to roof 30 (FIG. 1). In aspecific embodiment, the second position results in free edge 44 of eachof the awnings 26 being at a position vertically above its respectivehinged edge 46 such that the awnings slope toward the roof for aestheticand drainage purposes. In this configuration, edge 46 of each awning 26hingedly attached about roof 30 is also elevated with respect to roof 30and overlies a portion of roof 30 such that water draining off of theawnings falls onto roof 30. To achieve this configuration, hinges 48connecting awning 26 to container body 22 have a length and rotationaltravel sufficient to space awning 26 apart from container body 22, whichspacing also allows awning 30 to fold over and against the outside ofsidewall 24 when sidewall 24 is closed, thus achieving the rectangularbox shape when both the sidewall 24 and awning 26 are closed.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, awning 26 generally includesa supportive underlying framework 50 including cross members 52 that arecovered with fabric 54 or other covering that is preferably waterproof.Certain ones of cross members 52 are telescoping or otherwise adjustablewith respect to other ones such that awning 26 is adjustable in lengthin at least the direction perpendicular with respect to the longitudinalaxis of container body 22, i.e. in the direction toward the free edge ofsidewall 24 when sidewall 24 is in the second position. As awning 26preferably achieves a sloped orientation when in the second position,awning 26 is required to extend in length to fully cover the extendedportion of the underlying floor provided by sidewall 24 when in thesecond position, and retract to stow against sidewall 24 in the firstposition such that awning 24 does not extend vertically below the boundsof container body 22. It is envisioned that awning 26 may extend inother directions as well to increase its coverage area. Fabric 54 may betied to framework 50 or otherwise attached using any conventionalfastener.

To support awning 26 in the second position, at least one support member56 (e.g. pole) is pivotally attached to the underside of awning 26.Support member 56 is preferably adjustable in length by any conventionaladjustment mechanism (e.g. telescoping) and capable of locking inlength, and in the preferred embodiment, is pivotally attached to theunderside of awning 26 to prevent its separation therefrom whileallowing support member 56 to fold against the underside of awning 26for stowing as illustrated in FIG. 2. The height of the free end ofawning 26 may be adjusted by changing the length of support member 56.Referring specifically to FIG. 1, a bracket 58, loop or other retaineris positioned about the vertical intersection of support member 56 withsidewall 24 for retaining support member 56 in place when erected.Bracket 58 anchors awning 26 against upward pulling forces from wind.

Referring to FIG. 5, corner posts 40 are preferably open-endedrectangular tubes and thus allow water to drain therethrough. Drip edge60 (i.e. flange) projecting upwardly from roof 30 substantiallysurrounds the periphery of roof 30 and thus prevents water from escapingfrom roof 30 over the sides or ends of container 20, thus directingwater to corner posts 40 for drainage therethrough.

Referring specifically to FIG. 4, mechanicals closet 62 is accessiblethrough end wall 34 and houses winch 64, power source 66 (e.g. DC powersource), associated cabling, and optionally utility connections andother items. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, cables 68 originating fromwinch 64 are connected to the free edge of sidewalls 24 through a pulleysystem such that the rotation of the operational member of winch 64 inone direction causes cables 68 to “shorten” and consequentiallysidewalls 24 to be raised, and rotation in the opposite direction causescables 68 to “lengthen” and consequentially sidewalls 24 to be lowered.Control of winch 64 may be achieved through a simple control panellocated in any desired location on the container. As shown, cables 68are routed through the upper end of mechanicals closet 62 for leveragein raising sidewalls 24.

Referring specifically to FIG. 5, when sidewall 24 is lowered to thesecond position, resulting gap 70 is produced between the flooringsurface of floor 28 and the flooring surface of sidewall 24. Removableflooring insert 72 is inserted to fill gap 70 to provide a continuousflooring surface extending from the free edge of sidewall 24 to the freeedge of the opposing sidewall 24.

The interior volume provided by the convertible container 20 may houseany upfittings and furniture depending upon the application of thecontainer. For example, it is envisioned that a pavilion used for eventsmay include counter space, seating, appliances, lighting, audio, video,heating/cooling systems, etc. Decorative interior walls, ceiling andflooring is preferably applied over the metal exoskeleton to improve theinterior appearance, provide a distinct appearance, hide mechanicals,and generally conceal the underlying corrugated steel. In preferredembodiments, all original container sides are reused in one form oranother, with corner posts 40 remaining intact for structural stability.

While a repurposed shipping container has been described with referenceto specific embodiments and examples, it is envisioned that variousdetails of the invention may be changed without departing from the scopeof the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing description of thepreferred embodiments of the invention and best mode for practicing theinvention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not forthe purpose of limitation.

1. A convertible shipping container, comprising: a container bodyincluding a floor, a roof, and first and second opposing end wallscollectively defining a rectangular box; a sidewall hingedly attachedalong one edge thereof to the container body about the floor such thatthe sidewall is selectively moveable between a first positionperpendicular to the floor and a second position coplanar with thefloor; an awning hingedly attached along one edge thereof to thecontainer body about the roof such that the awning is selectivelymoveable between a first position perpendicular to the roof and a secondposition at an angle with respect to the roof, wherein the awning isextendable in at least one direction and wherein the edge of the awninghingedly attached to the container body is elevated with respect to theroof and overlies a portion of the roof when the awning is in the secondposition; and at least one support member adjustable in length attachedto the awning for supporting the awning in the second position.
 2. Theconvertible shipping container according to claim 1, wherein thecontainer body further comprises open ended tubular corner posts and aflange extending upward in a direction away from the roof for providinga drip edge such that water collected on the roof drains through thecorner posts.
 3. The convertible shipping container according to claim1, wherein the awning is extendible in a direction perpendicular to alongitudinal axis of the container body.
 4. The convertible shippingcontainer according to claim 1, wherein a free edge of the awning isvertically elevated with respect to the hingedly attached edge of theawning when the awning is in the second position such that the awningslopes toward the roof.
 5. The convertible shipping container accordingto claim 1, wherein the awning lies flush against the sidewall when theshipping container is in a closed configuration.
 6. The convertibleshipping container according to claim 1, further comprising amechanicals closet accessible through one of the first and second endwalls.
 7. The convertible shipping container according to claim 6,further comprising a winch disposed in the mechanicals closet andassociated cabling for moving the sidewall between the first and secondpositions.
 8. The convertible shipping container according to claim 1,further comprising a bracket positioned about a free edge of thesidewall for engaging the at least one support member when the awning isin the second position.
 9. The convertible shipping container accordingto claim 1, further comprising a removable floor section filling a gapbetween the sidewall and the floor when the sidewall is in the secondposition coplanar with the floor.
 10. A convertible shipping container,comprising: a container body including a floor, a roof, and first andsecond opposing end walls; a sidewall hingedly attached along one edgethereof to the container body such that the sidewall is selectivelymoveable between a first position perpendicular to the floor and asecond position coplanar with the floor; an awning hingedly attachedalong one edge thereof to the container body such that the awning isselectively moveable between a first position perpendicular to the roofand a second position in which a free edge of the awning is at aposition vertically elevated with respect to the hingedly attached edgesuch that the awning slopes in the direction toward the roof, andwherein the edge of the awning hingedly attached to the roof overlies aportion of the roof when the awning is in the second position; and atleast one support member adjustable in length attached to the awning forsupporting the awning in the second position.
 11. The convertibleshipping container according to claim 10, wherein the container bodyfurther comprises open ended tubular corner posts and a flange extendingupward in a direction away from the roof for providing a drip edge suchthat water collected on the roof drains through the corner posts. 12.The convertible shipping container according to claim 10, wherein theawning is extendible in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axisof the container body.
 13. The convertible shipping container accordingto claim 10, wherein the awning lies flush against the sidewall when theshipping container is in a closed configuration.
 14. The convertibleshipping container according to claim 10, further comprising amechanicals closet accessible through one of the first and second endwalls.
 15. The convertible shipping container according to claim 14,further comprising a winch disposed in the mechanicals closet andassociated cabling for moving the sidewall between the first and secondpositions.
 16. The convertible shipping container according to claim 10,further comprising a bracket positioned about a free edge of thesidewall for engaging the at least one support member when the awning isin the second position.
 17. The convertible shipping container accordingto claim 10, further comprising a removable floor section filling a gapbetween the sidewall and the floor when the sidewall is in the secondposition coplanar with the floor.